The same grace...

I know that Jesus died on the cross for everyone.

I know that passage in the bible that says it is the sick who need a doctor not the healthy. Yet somehow I manage to continue to categorize sins subconsciously.

I don't think I'm alone in this. You know, that line we all draw for ourselves where we decide, "That. That sin is the one that pushes a person out of the reach of God's grace." For some its divorce, for others murder. For some infidelity, for others abuse. For some it's sexual impurity, for others it's addiction. We have all drawn that invisible line at some point or another. But the line is a lie. The truth is that we can never out-sin God's grace.

This whole thought process got shoved in my face during worship tonight. For the past week I have held anger and bitterness towards Ana's parents for allowing the situation to get to the point it is at. I have thought to myself, "who does that? Who allows their children to go through things like that? Who neglects their kids like that?" etc. Tonight it hit me...

We were singing something, I cant even remember what it was, and all the sudden it was as if Jesus himself were speaking saying "I died for them too!" It's such a basic concept of our faith and yet it hit me like a ton of bricks. Jesus died for Chede and Ana's parents too. It doesn't matter how many horrible things they have done, He CAN redeem them and draw them into His love and a life of freedom. Then something else got me...

My job as a Christian is not to fix them, or teach them better parenting skills. My job is to show them Jesus. The best thing I could ever do for my sweet baby girls is to show them and their parents who Jesus is and the life of love and freedom they could have in Him.

Am I doing that? Or am I judging them in anger? I want to display Christ's love for them. I want to tell them about Jesus so that they can first be set free in Him and learn to grow in Him and live and love like him. The grace God has for me is the same grace he has for them. There is nothing out of the reach of His grace. My sins are just as disgusting and filthy as theirs. I'm deceiving myself if I think any different. Praise God for his grace! The same grace...

When Oceans Rise

"Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed, and You won't start now

I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours, and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior"

(Oceans by Hillsong United)

"When oceans rise"... 

I was sitting at a stop light today listening to this song and thought to myself, "what is my ocean rising?" I think if someone asked me this 6 months - a year ago I would have said that my ocean rising was fear of the unknown and this huge leap of faith I was about to take by going to Uganda. 

My ocean has changed. 

In this very moment my ocean rising is a skin infection of my sweet baby girl that I can do nothing about. It's a fear that I left her when she was the most vulnerable and now when she "needs me" I can't be there. It's a realization that I actually have to be able to stand on what I believe in order to survive this. It's a fear that I won't make it...

I guess my ocean really hasn't changed that much. It's still fear. 

Praise God that His grace abounds in deepest water. Praise him for holding me in His embrace when oceans are rising. Praise Him.

"This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. For who is God, but the Lord ? And who is a rock, except our God?— the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless."

(Psalm 18:30-32 ESV)

This Saturday!

This Saturday I Choose You will be hosting our annual benefit. This is our biggest event of the year. It's where we tell you exactly what we do, why we do it, and how you can help. If you have ever wondered about I Choose You or felt the need to get involved, this is the best place to get started. 

Now I won't lie, this is a benefit. Some might call it a "fundraiser." I am aware that times aren't the greatest and money is always a touchy subject, but the event is free! The only cost you would incur aside from a donation IF you so choose to do so, is $5 per plate for a Ugandan meal. But the meal is optional! So in theory you could come and not spend a penny. 

Let's get down to what I'm asking for. I'm asking for your time. I'm asking for you to come with open ears and an open heart. I'm asking for you to pray about whether or not God wants you to be involved with I Choose You and if so, what that involvement is. I'm asking you to tell your friends and bring them with you! 

I'm not asking for you to donate half of your paycheck. I'm just asking for you to come and be open to what you hear and to giving if you are able and feel called to do so. 

I would absolutely LOVE to see all of you there Saturday. It would mean the world to me and really show me that you care about me. 

The benefit is from 5-7pm at Cypress Creek Church in Wimberley, Texas. 

The address is:

211 Stillwater 

Wimberley, TX 78676

If you have prior engagements but would like to learn more about us, sponsor a child, or give a one time donation you can visit our website:

www.ichooseyou.org 

On a much lighter note... TIA!!

 

 

What? You've never seen 20 chickens tied to the back of a motorcycle?!

 

The boda umbrella is a fantastic invention!

 

 No clothes, but he made sure to have his red rain boots on!

 

Playing in Karamoja!

 

Yes, this is a bridge in need of a bridge. Yes, we did drive over it.

 

 

New do! Get it girl.

 

Priceless.

He loves her more than I do

It's true.

He loves her infinitely more than I do.

Christ's love for my precious baby is higher, wider, deeper, and stronger than any love she will ever receive from anyone else, including me.

When I'm filled with sorrow from watching her suffer through this skin infection she has had for months, I can be assured that He sees and he is grieved by it even more than I am.

When I am saddened by her situation at home I can trust that He sees, He knows, and He is saddened by it even more than I am.

When I have to say goodbye and feel like I cannot do it, I will remember that Jesus loves her infinitely more than I do and that He holds her life in His hands.

I will remember that there is no safer place for her to be and I will hold my hands open and release her willingly.

She was never mine to hold. She has always been His, and He has graciously allowed me to be a part of her life. I will say thank you and pray without ceasing that he comforts, heals, protects, and holds her all the days of her life. I will pray that those days are many and that I am allowed to continue to be a part of them.

I will trust Him.

He loves her more than I do.



" Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?  As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
    we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

 Romans 8:35-39 ESV

A few things I want you to know...

I'm coming home in a little less than two weeks! I have been thinking a lot about what it will be like and praying for God to give me a smooth transition back into American life. I have realized in all of this thinking and praying that there is something I want everyone to know before I come home...

I have changed.

It's true. I've changed. I don't think its a bad thing, but it is worth mentioning. I may sound funny at first (oh Ugandan accents haha.) I may be overwhelmed at first. I may cry a lot, or I may not cry at all. I may talk about Uganda way too much, or I may not want to talk about it at all. Certain things will frustrate me and certain things will bring me great comfort and joy. I hope to handle the transition with grace but if I don't, I'm sorry. Thank you for understanding! Thank you for loving me anyways. 

Of course there is something else I want you to know too...

I am still the same.

This is also true! I am still me. I still love you! I have missed my family and friends every day that I've been gone. My longing for Uganda has NOTHING to do with my love or a lack thereof for you. I love you just the same or maybe even more than before I left. I greatly appreciate your love and support for me, and I am humbled at the thought of your continued love and support for me along this journey. Thank you! 

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:3-6 NIV)

The rundown in pictures

A friend of mine recently inspired me with her blog post. I have been so busy these days and have neglected my blog. Instead of trying to catch up I think I will steal her idea and just post pictures for you! Hope you enjoy!

 

The moms and I had a blast getting dressed up and taking pictures. I absolutely love these women!

 

As some of you may know, I have been taking care of this precious baby girl. Ana is 2 (or 2 1/2) and weighed only 14 lbs. She is growing slowly, but the biggest change I have seen is in her demeanor.

 

She smiles now! And she plays, laughs, runs, jumps, and is trying to speak in English. I am seriously going to miss my baby girl.

 

 

And her big sister! Love my beautiful girls SO much.

 

 

We had a wonderful day at the pool with our sweet friends Flower, and Esther. Thanks Flower and Esther for playing with us all day! We had a blast!

 

 

Swinging is universal fun!

 

 

I've had way too much fun with the ICY kids. Especially during their holiday!

 

These girls are great friends and they are always coming to visit me! We have TONS of fun.

 

My favorite little man visits me often as well! Bless him for letting me hug and kiss him :-) Guess that's just what mama's do! (I have become "Mama Teko" because my dad and I sponsor him.)

 

I am amazed at what God has done in this sweet girls life. The change in her is miraculous, and the change in her mother is encouraging beyond words. Thank you Jesus!

 

 

My lovely friend Kyle came to visit me!!! She was such a blessing to me and the moms, and loved our ICY kids so well. I couldn't have asked for more!

 

 

Kyle was here during the busiest week of my entire trip, but she was a rock star and helped out in so many ways. She also took on the daunting task of keeping me sane!

 

Medina hard at work!

 

 

Peace showing off her beautiful smile and our beads!

 

Jaja Faizo is such a sweet woman. I have so many new mama's and Jaja's (grandmothers) now!

 

Jennifer. What can I say? We couldn't function without her. Love this woman!

 

I have been having a blast working with 25 incredible women. We learn so much from each other and I am so blessed by them. Thank you Jesus!